"Your Majesty, do we truly need to use force against the Austro-Hungarian Empire? Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire is far weaker than the Empire, it is still a great power after all. The World War ended only a year ago. If another major war breaks out, it may adversely affect the Empire's development. If this matter can be resolved peacefully, that would naturally be best." Prime Minister Bülow advised.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was, after all, a great power with a population of over forty million and a developed industry. Although it was riddled with internal contradictions and its army lacked combat strength, if Germany invaded the Austro-Hungarian Empire, no one could guarantee that it would not launch a fierce counterattack. Should the war turn into a prolonged conflict, the consequences would be difficult to predict.
"A peaceful resolution? I'm afraid that will be difficult—indeed, impossible. So long as Crown Prince Karl does not abandon his hostility toward the German Empire, they will remain a threat to the Empire. Even signing treaties and the like would be completely useless." Oscar shook his head. He had already made up his mind: if the Austro-Hungarian Empire dared withdraw from the Allied Powers, he would use that as a pretext to launch an attack.
"Your Majesty, once war breaks out between us and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, will the United States and the other countries take the opportunity to declare war on the Empire? If it turns into another World War, that may be rather unfavorable for the Empire," Foreign Minister Wachth said.
"The United States and the other countries may indeed have such intentions. But they will not have the opportunity. The Austro-Hungarian Empire may be a great power, but if the Empire goes all out, it will not be able to hold on for